Tag Archives: hitting

Is it Okay for a Parent to Encourage Kids to Hit?

Earlier today, I wrote a blog about how many of us might be concerned that our children are violent and mean because of their behaviors. After I posted this article, I read a few more about bullying that we have here on the Families.com site and I was surprised at what I found—there were a few where parents actually recommended encouraging their child to hit other kids, retaliate and strike back physically when bullied. I thought this could be an interesting conversation. In this day and age, is it really okay and reasonable for parents to encourage their children to … Continue reading →

When Slapping Becomes a Problem

We have talked about biting as a young child’s issue here in the parenting blog, but we have not really spent much time talking about slapping. At least I have not written much about children who slap as a way of reacting to what is going on, trying to get what they want, expressing anger and aggression, or bullying other children. What does slapping mean and what can be done about it? I think that slapping can show up around the same time that biting does. I also believe that if children are raised in a home where the adults … Continue reading →

10 Ways to Prevent Aggression in Toddlers

As every parent knows there are times when your toddler will become aggressive. For toddler’s, this aggressive behavior is normal. They are learning to become independent and have an undeveloped impulse control. “Some degree of hitting and biting is completely normal for a toddler,” says Nadine Block, executive director of the Center for Effective Discipline in Columbus, Ohio. Toddlers usually do not understand that their behavior has hurt someone. They may feel ashamed because they know they disappointed you not because of their actions. Toddlers often do not know their own strength. She may not have meant to push the … Continue reading →

Toddler Playdates & Picking Up Bad Social Habits

I remember when my daughter was just 20 months old and my nephew was visiting. He was just a little over 4, himself. But he was going through a phase of arguing about everything and when he didn’t get his way, he’d scream. Not twenty seconds after the first demonstration of this little talent – my daughter fell into step. We spent the next two months coping with a toddler who would scream when she didn’t get her way and it was far from a pleasant task. The simple thing is – when toddlers get together with other children, they … Continue reading →